Sick trap kills badger in Derbyshire

Michael Broomhead

Police and the RSPCA are investigating after a badger was caught in a snare in the Peak District and died.

The animal was found dead in Little Hayfield, between Hayfield and Glossop, last Sunday.

An RSPCA spokesman said: “Inspector Heather Morris was called about a dead badger caught in a snare.

“There’s not any more information we can provide at this stage in the investigation.”

Wildlife crime is an issue Derbyshire Constabulary takes very seriously.

A force spokesman said: “Every year, police receive hundreds of calls from members of the public relating to wildlife offences.

“Some of these incidents have included swans being butchered for their meat, wild bird eggs being stolen from nests and the persecution of birds of prey in the Peak District.

“Further examples of wildlife crimes reported in Derbyshire include people deliberately targeting badgers by digging or blocking access to setts and intentionally destroying a bat roost.

“All of these animals are protected by law and carrying out any of these acts is a criminal offence.”

The spokesman added: “There are many different pieces of legislation which offer protection to wildlife.

“Offences against wildlife is a crime like any other type of crime.

“It is serious and will be dealt with robustly by Derbyshire Constabulary as it threatens to drive rare plants and animals to extinction, can cause unnecessary suffering to animals and can cause disruption to local communities.

“In addition, wildlife crime often has links to other types of criminality, including acquisitive crime and other more serious offending involving firearms and drugs. There are also links to organised crime groups.

“As wildlife crime is a specialist area, Derbyshire police work closely with many partner organisations including the RSPCA, RSPB and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to protect wild animals across the county and to bring to justice those responsible for wildlife crime.”

Anyone with information about the snared badger should call Derbyshire police on 101, quoting reference number 215-12/01/16, or the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.